The WTA Charleston Open, played on green clay, is one of the most unique professional tournaments in the world. It always attracts a strong list, and this year is no different. Ann Li, Katie Volynets, and former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic are among the players whose matches are predicted in this article. The rest of the action is covered in our other articles, including Sofia Kenin vs Bernarda Pera and Caroline Dolehide vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
WTA Charleston Day 1 Predictions
Robin Montgomery vs Viktoriya Tomova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Although Montgomery would probably consider hard courts her favorite surface, she reached the third round of the 2024 Madrid Open. Tomova possesses more experience on the dirt and usually holds a steady level on it. Montgomery can be dangerous at any tournament if her powerful game clicks, but the Bulgarian’s more solid style on clay is favored to progress.
Prediction: Tomova in 3
Katie Volynets vs Katherine Sebov
Head-to-head: Volynets 1-0 Sebov
Volynets comfortably defeated Sebov in the qualifying round in Charleston last year. She then played one of the longest matches of the 2024 WTA season against Arantxa Rus, prevailing in a deciding set tiebreak. Sebov played well in this year’s qualifying, easily winning twice in straight sets. However, that does not convince me that she will beat Volynets, who enjoys competing on clay more than any surface.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Kyoka Okamura
Head-to-head: First meeting
This seems like the perfect opening round match against Tomljanovic. Okamura lost to Sebov in qualifying and entered the main draw as a lucky loser. Clay has not been Tomljanovic’s best surface over the years, but I think she will have enough to overcome the challenge from her Japanese opponent.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Ann Li vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-headl: Blinkova 3-0 Li
While the head-to-head is not pretty for Li, she pushed Blinkova to a deciding set tiebreak in their most recent meeting in 2023. The American started the season impressively before losing some momentum in Indian Wells and Miami, losing in the opening round of both events. Blinkova has been solid this season, regularly getting through opening rounds without going much further. I think she has what it takes to handle Li’s formidable forehand and win a competitive match.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
